What Is Viorele 28 Day? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Whether you've just been prescribed Viorele 28 Day or are researching your birth control options, this comprehensive guide covers what Viorele is, what it's used for, how to take it correctly, who it's appropriate for, and important safety information.

What Is Viorele 28 Day?

Viorele 28 Day is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) pill manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It contains two synthetic female hormones: desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Together, these hormones prevent pregnancy through multiple mechanisms.

Viorele is classified as a biphasic pill — meaning the hormonal dose changes at one point during the cycle. It is a generic equivalent of the discontinued brand-name pill Mircette. Other generics containing the same formulation include Kariva, Azurette, Pimtrea, and Volnea.

What Is Viorele 28 Day Used For?

Viorele 28 Day is FDA-approved for one primary indication:

Prevention of pregnancy (contraception) — When taken correctly, oral contraceptives like Viorele have a failure rate of approximately 1% per year with perfect use and less than 5% with typical use.

Viorele is also commonly used off-label for:

Acne treatment — desogestrel has low androgenic activity, which reduces testosterone-driven sebum production and can improve acne

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — helps regulate cycles and reduce ovarian cyst formation

Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) — reduces uterine cramping and menstrual pain

Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) — regulates and reduces menstrual flow

What Are the Active Ingredients in Viorele?

Viorele contains two active hormones:

Desogestrel (0.15 mg): A third-generation progestin. Once absorbed, it is converted to its active form etonogestrel. Desogestrel has high progestational activity with minimal androgenic effects, making it well-tolerated for patients sensitive to androgen side effects like acne.

Ethinyl estradiol (0.02 mg / 0.01 mg): A synthetic estrogen. The 0.02 mg dose in the active combination tablets is considered a low dose, which minimizes estrogen-related side effects. The 5 estrogen-only tablets at the end of the pack (0.01 mg) help prevent heavy withdrawal bleeding.

How to Take Viorele 28 Day: Dosage and Schedule

Viorele comes in a 28-day blister pack. Here's the schedule:

Days 1–21: 21 white tablets containing desogestrel 0.15 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg — these are the active hormone tablets.

Days 22–23: 2 green/inactive tablets — these are placebo pills with no active hormones, keeping you in the habit of taking a daily pill.

Days 24–28: 5 light yellow tablets containing only ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg — a low-dose estrogen "bridge" that helps reduce menstrual flow during the hormone-free interval.

Take one tablet at the same time every day, following the order in the blister pack. Do not skip pills or change the schedule. Many patients find taking Viorele at bedtime or with their evening meal helps reduce nausea.

Who Should Not Take Viorele?

Viorele is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Viorele if you:

Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

Are over 35 years of age and smoke cigarettes

Have a personal history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack

Have migraine headaches with aura

Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or significant heart disease

Have liver disease or liver tumors

Are currently taking certain HCV medications (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir)

Is Viorele Effective?

Yes — when taken correctly, Viorele is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Clinical data show a perfect-use failure rate of about 1% per year and a typical-use failure rate of less than 5% per year (accounting for missed pills and other real-world factors). To maintain maximum effectiveness, take it at the same time every day and do not miss doses.

Want to understand how Viorele works at the biological level? Read: How Does Viorele 28 Day Work? Mechanism of Action Explained in Plain English.

If your pharmacy is out of Viorele, use medfinder to find a pharmacy near you that has it in stock.